The Capital Region's game development hub
From the AAA studios of Albany and Troy to indie devs, collegiate esports, and weekend game jams, the 518 is quietly one of the most active game scenes in the Northeast. This directory maps it all in one place.
- Studios
- 5+
- Categories
- 4
- Communities
- 6+
- Open to all
- 100%
The directory
Find your scene
Search studios, developer meetups, esports events, and learning resources across the Capital Region. Filter by category or tag, and use the links to dig into each one.
17 listings
- StudioOngoing listing
1st Playable Productions
Troy, NY
A Troy studio focused on family-friendly and educational games, with a long history of licensed and learning titles and a growing original catalog.
- StudioOngoing listing
Blizzard Albany
Albany, NY
The Capital Region's biggest AAA studio, formerly Vicarious Visions. The team has shipped work across the Diablo franchise, including Diablo II: Resurrected, and continues to hire locally.
- Dev EventCheck dates
Capital Region Game Jams
Albany & Troy
Community-run game jams and themed build weekends pop up throughout the year, often organized through TVGS and local developer groups. Watch the community calendar for the next one.
Details via community channels - Esports & GamingCheck dates
Community LANs & Game Nights
Across the 518
Local LAN parties, retro game nights, and open play sessions hosted by venues and community groups across the region. Dates change often, so confirm before you go.
Details via community channels - ResourceOngoing listing
Coworking & Incubators
Albany & Troy
Shared studios and incubator programs give local game teams affordable space, mentorship, and a built-in community. TVGS and regional innovation hubs are good starting points.
Details via community channels - Dev EventRecurring
Developer Roundtables
Albany & Troy
Informal roundtables where local devs talk shop: postmortems, art and engineering talks, and portfolio feedback. Dates move, so check the host group before heading over.
Details via community channels - ResourceOngoing listing
Funding & Grants
New York State
A mix of state and national programs support game development here, including the NYS film and digital media tax credit and developer grants. Eligibility changes, so check current guidelines.
Details via community channels - ResourceOngoing listing
Game Education & Training
Across the 518
From college programs to community workshops and bootcamps, there are many ways to learn game development in the region, whether you are starting out or switching careers.
Details via community channels - Dev EventRecurring
Global Game Jam
Multiple local sites
A worldwide 48-hour game jam held each January. Capital Region sites host teams in Albany and Troy, so local developers can build together over one weekend.
- Esports & GamingOngoing listing
HVCC Esports
Troy, NY
Hudson Valley Community College fields esports teams and hosts community-facing events, a great on-ramp for students in the region.
- StudioOngoing listing
MadGlory Games
Troy, NY
A small Troy studio known for creative experiments and community-driven projects, including PUBG Laboratory and the No Pants Submarine series.
- Esports & GamingOngoing listing
RPI Esports
Troy, NY
Rensselaer's collegiate esports program fields varsity and club teams and hosts campus tournaments, with a dedicated arena on the Troy campus.
- ResourceOngoing listing
RPI Games, Simulation, Arts & Sciences
Troy, NY
Rensselaer's Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences program (GSAS) offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that blend design, art, and engineering.
- Dev EventRecurring
Tech Valley Game Space
Albany, NY
The region's hub for game developers. TVGS hosts regular monthly meetups, workshops, and open game nights, and gives local devs a place to cowork and playtest.
- Esports & GamingOngoing listing
UAlbany Esports
Albany, NY
The University at Albany runs collegiate esports teams and campus events, giving students a path into competitive gaming and production.
- StudioOngoing listing
Velan Studios
Troy, NY
Founded by the team behind Vicarious Visions, Velan makes original multiplayer and VR titles, including Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit and Hot Wheels: Rift Rally.
- StudioOngoing listing
Wolfjaw Studios
Troy, NY
A co-development and support studio in Troy that partners with AAA teams on art, engineering, and production across console and PC projects.
About this directory
A living map of the 518
The Capital Region punches well above its size in games. Blizzard Albany and Velan Studios grew out of the same Troy roots, 1st Playable and Wolfjaw keep the co-dev scene busy, and Tech Valley Game Space ties developers together with meetups and jams. Colleges from RPI to UAlbany and HVCC field esports teams, and a steady stream of indie devs keep the scene fresh.
This directory is community-run and updated by hand. Listings marked Ongoing are evergreen organizations. Anything marked Recurring or Check dates moves around, so always confirm dates and locations before you show up.
Spotted something out of date, or a studio missing from the list? Send a correction or addition and we will fold it in. Event dates change often, so treat the calendar as a starting point, not a guarantee.